Special to the American Press

Phillips 66 and Project Lead The Way (PLTW) announced an additional investment of $1 million to support STEM learning for middle school students across the U.S. This continued partnership will further implementation and expansion efforts of PLTW Gateway programs throughout Phillips 66 communities in California, Colorado, Illinois, Louisiana, Montana, New Jersey, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Texas and Washington.

Phillips 66 and PLTW partnered in 2023 to provide cutting-edge, real-world STEM curriculum for middle school-level students. Results from a 2024 survey of schools that received grants to implement PLTW courses show 88% of PLTW teachers report their students improved their ability to solve problems and 84% of PLTW teachers report their students have a better understanding of STEM career paths and opportunities because of their experience with PLTW. Through this second-time investment, about 11,000 students will have the opportunity to participate in PLTW Gateway programs. In Southwest Louisiana, that includes students at LeBlanc and Maplewood Middle schools.

PLTW Gateway empowers middle school students to experience and see a range of STEM pathways and possibilities preparing them for high school-level coursework. Through this continued partnership, Phillips 66 is supporting PLTW grants to schools interested in starting and expanding PLTW Gateway programs beginning in the 2025-2026 academic year.

“Partnerships like the one between PLTW and Phillips 66 are crucial for this next generation of learners. Making STEM-related studies and careers more accessible to students across the U.S. is our most important work,” said Dr. David Dimmett PLTW President and CEO. “As a new transformative partner, our highest level of partnership, Phillips 66 is making an investment that will expand opportunities for students while preparing them for school, career, and life.”